School Resource Officer Kevin Nielsen was nominated and awarded the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25’s P.I.E.S. award which recognizes employees who Positively Influence Educational Success. This award is for the employees who go above and beyond.
After receiving multiple nominations Officer Nielsen was presented this award last night, March 18, 2025, at the School District Meeting. Thank you Ofc. Nielsen for all that you do for the community, the youth, and for embodying the Pocatello Police Department’s mission of Community Commitment.
Nominations:
I am writing on behalf of many of the staff members of Alameda Middle School to nominate Officer Kevin Nielsen for the District PIES Award. Officer Nielsen is Alameda’s SRO but he is so much more than that. In our experience working alongside Officer Nielsen, we have witnessed first-hand his dedication to the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
Officer Nielsen exemplifies professionalism and integrity in his role. He is not only a law enforcement officer but also a mentor and a trusted figure in our school community. His approachable demeanor encourages both staff and students to seek guidance and support, fostering a positive environment where they feel safe and valued. Students know they can turn to him for help and guidance but that he also has a job to do and they respect him for that.
One of Officer Nielsen’s greatest strengths is his ability to build strong relationships with students. He has been the cross-country coach for many years and has built that program each year. He has encouraged many students, staff, and even parents to run the Death Mountain run, which occurs yearly. His proactive approach has made a lasting impact on our school culture.
Additionally, Officer Nielsen is a collaborative partner, working closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to address various issues affecting our students. His insight and expertise have been invaluable in creating a safer school environment and developing strategies that support our students’ academic and personal growth. He visits classrooms. volunteers to be a guest speaker, and walks the halls between classes and lunch calling students by name and giving high fives. He helped to create and train the Medical Response Team at AMS and provides all staff members with news and updates on issues occurring within the community.
One staff member has captured our feelings towards Officer Nielsen when it was said, “The day Kevin Nielsen is not at Alameda is the day that I retire.”
Mary Anne McGrory
Chelsie Hill
Katie Cooper
Carleen Wellard
Joan Mortimer
Rachel Chambers
Brandon Vaughan
Mindy Bang
Tonya Blaser
and many more…
Kevin goes above and beyond what it means to be an SRO. Every student in our building knows his name and looks forward to seeing and chatting with him. I've even seen students who have received several citations from Officer Nielsen excitedly greet him in the hallways on a daily basis. He connects with each and every student he encounters. He has a huge impact, both as our SRO and as our Cross Country coach. I had a student earlier this trimester write about how she aspires to be a cop like Officer Nielsen.
As a colleague, I appreciate Kevin's responsiveness. I can always count on getting a quick and thorough answer to any question that I have. I joined MERT at our school because I knew that, under Kevin's guidance, I would feel more capable in an emergency in my classroom. Kevin is someone who has the respect and appreciation of every adult in our building. I am so thankful to have him in our building!
Lyndsey Matthews
Photo: Superintendent Douglas Howell (left), Alameda Assistant Principal Molly Johnson (center), SRO Kevin Nielsen (right). Photo courtesy of Sgt. Jackson.
